Werribee Star

DOMESTIC violence should be called for what it is, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said last week – “violence against women and families”.
Violence against women and children was in the spotlight following the fatal stabbing of mother-of-four Fiona Warzywoda in Sunshine on Wednesday 16 April.
Over 600 people from across the Western Suburbs and beyond gathered in Sunshine last week to remember the slain Melton West woman and stand against violence towards women and children.
Roads were blocked off as the community rallied together on the corner of Devonshire and Hampshire Roads last Tuesday evening, a week after Ms Warzywoda was allegedly stabbed to death there by her de-facto husband.
Residents, witnesses, police, politicians and the family and friends of Ms Warzywoda and other victims of domestic violence gathered to honour innocent lives lost and send the message that this could not keep happening.
“It’s not just the justice system which failed Fiona and her children and her family, I think’s it’s all of us,” Mr Shorten said.
“Domestic violence has a lot of different moving parts. It’s not just a women’s issue, but it’s a men’s issue,” he said.
“We need a cultural change, we need a resource change, but also the other thing is domestic violence is a national issue, it’s not just a state issue.”
Resident Sophie Dutertre, who initiated the vigil and silent protest, said she didn’t want Ms Warzywoda’s death to only be a news item for a day and then disappear from consciousness after her killer was found.
“I care about community, and I care about Sunshine because it’s a place with a strong, vibrant and passionate community,” Ms Dutertre said.
“I wanted to show that the community can get together and getting together as a community is very powerful,” she said.
Craig McDermott, from Sunshine North, handed himself in to police last Thursday and appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later that night. He was charged with murder and was remanded until August 7.

VOX POPS
“Grief is grief, there’s not a day when it’s better or when it’s worse, the loss doesn’t change. But I spoke to members of her family and having hundreds of people there showing solidarity, I know the family took some strength from that,” Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
“This is the way Sunshine responds, because Sunshine is a good place. It is a good place to live and when something bad happens this is the way people respond; people stand together,” Greens MP Colleen Hartland.
“We are very good at coming together after these tragedies; we are less good at stopping them from happening in the first place. There were 29 domestic homicides in Victoria last year, so unfortunately this is the latest in a long list of tragedies,” Federal Labor Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts.
“This turn-out is an indication that the community has had enough. Our legal system has to be responsive and take violence against women seriously, we need a royal commission into violence against women which would actually look into where the problems lie and why women are dying, one a week, at the hands of men,” Victoria University lecturer and Sexual assaults Counsellor Margherita Windisch.
“I’m 100 per cent against violence against women and I want to send a message that Sunshine is safe,” Sunshine resident Saliah Ali.
“How many more women and children have to die at the hands of an abuser? How many more women and children have to live in fear every day of their lives?” Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service CEO Annette Gillespie.

DOMESTIC violence should be called for what it is, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said last week – “violence against women and families”. Violence against women and children was in the spotlight following the fatal stabbing of mother-of-four Fiona Warzywoda in Sunshine on Wednesday 16 April. Over 600 people from across the Western Suburbs and beyond gathered in Sunshine last week to remember the slain Melton West woman and stand against violence towards women and children. Roads were blocked off as the community rallied together on the corner of Devonshire and Hampshire Roads last Tuesday evening, a week after Ms Warzywoda was allegedly stabbed to death there by her de-facto husband. Residents, witnesses, police, politicians and the family and friends of Ms Warzywoda and other victims of domestic violence gathered to honour innocent lives lost and send the message that this could not keep happening. “It’s not just the justice system which failed Fiona and her children and her family, I think’s it’s all of us,” Mr Shorten said. “Domestic violence has a lot of different moving parts. It’s not just a women’s issue, but it’s a men’s issue,” he said. “We need a cultural change, we need a resource change, but also the other thing is domestic violence is a national issue, it’s not just a state issue.” Resident Sophie Dutertre, who initiated the vigil and silent protest, said she didn’t want Ms Warzywoda’s death to only be a news item for a day and then disappear from consciousness after her killer was found. “I care about community, and I care about Sunshine because it’s a place with a strong, vibrant and passionate community,” Ms Dutertre said. “I wanted to show that the community can get together and getting together as a community is very powerful,” she said. Craig McDermott, from Sunshine North, handed himself in to police last Thursday and appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later that night. He was charged with murder and was remanded until August 7.
VOX POPS “Grief is grief, there’s not a day when it’s better or when it’s worse, the loss doesn’t change. But I spoke to members of her family and having hundreds of people there showing solidarity, I know the family took some strength from that,” Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. “This is the way Sunshine responds, because Sunshine is a good place. It is a good place to live and when something bad happens this is the way people respond; people stand together,” Greens MP Colleen Hartland. “We are very good at coming together after these tragedies; we are less good at stopping them from happening in the first place. There were 29 domestic homicides in Victoria last year, so unfortunately this is the latest in a long list of tragedies,” Federal Labor Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts. “This turn-out is an indication that the community has had enough. Our legal system has to be responsive and take violence against women seriously, we need a royal commission into violence against women which would actually look into where the problems lie and why women are dying, one a week, at the hands of men,” Victoria University lecturer and Sexual assaults Counsellor Margherita Windisch. “I’m 100 per cent against violence against women and I want to send a message that Sunshine is safe,” Sunshine resident Saliah Ali. “How many more women and children have to die at the hands of an abuser? How many more women and children have to live in fear every day of their lives?” Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service CEO Annette Gillespie.

DOMESTIC violence should be called for what it is, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said last week – “violence against women and families”. Vi... Read More »

HORSES and their riders will be making a splash this Queen’s Birthday long weekend as they descend upon Werribee.
The Melbourne International Horse Trials will be held at the Werribee Park Precinct from 6 to 9 June, with compeitiors vying for the chance to represent Australia internationally.
For the full story and to see how you can get involved in the event see page 6 of this week’s Star Werribee.

HORSES and their riders will be making a splash this Queen’s Birthday long weekend as they descend upon Werribee. The Melbourne International Horse Trials will be held at the Werribee Park Precinct from 6 to 9 June, with compeitiors vying for the chance to represent Australia internationally. For the full story and to see how you can get involved in the event see page 6 of this week’s Star Werribee.

HORSES and their riders will be making a splash this Queen’s Birthday long weekend as they descend upon Werribee. The Melbourne International Horse ... Read More »

WYNDHAM’S human residents were not the only ones to receive a gift this Easter.
On Easter Sunday animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo enjoyed their own special Easter treats, hunting for brightly coloured pinata eggs and tucking in to homemade hot cross buns.
Created by Zoo volunteers, the treats were part of the daily enrichment program at the zoo, which includes a range of activities and items to provide variety and encourage problem-solving and foraging behaviours.
Each species is different and has its own enrichment program supported by the zoo’s team of volunteers, who make, grow, cook and build items to the specification of keepers and vets.
On Sunday, the zoo’s western lowland gorillas, Motaba, Yakini and Ganyeka enjoyed their own Easter egg hunt as they broke into their pinata eggs to find hidden treats including sultanas and popcorn.
Special hot cross buns made with chickpea flour, grated vegies and a dollop of cream cheese were on the menu for the vervet monkeys along with one of their favourite treats – boiled eggs.
The meerkats enjoyed foraging for hand-dyed eggs in a nest of wood wool, while later in the day the zoo’s lions and servals also enjoyed some their own Easter pinatas.
The special Easter activities also put the spotlight on the eastern barred bandicoot – a critically endangered Australian marsupial.
Instead of a traditional Easter bunny, images of an eastern barred bandicoot featured in many of the Easter enrichment activities, providing keepers with an opportunity to chat to visitors about conservation efforts to save this very special Australian native.

WYNDHAM’S human residents were not the only ones to receive a gift this Easter. On Easter Sunday animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo enjoyed their own special Easter treats, hunting for brightly coloured pinata eggs and tucking in to homemade hot cross buns. Created by Zoo volunteers, the treats were part of the daily enrichment program at the zoo, which includes a range of activities and items to provide variety and encourage problem-solving and foraging behaviours. Each species is different and has its own enrichment program supported by the zoo’s team of volunteers, who make, grow, cook and build items to the specification of keepers and vets. On Sunday, the zoo’s western lowland gorillas, Motaba, Yakini and Ganyeka enjoyed their own Easter egg hunt as they broke into their pinata eggs to find hidden treats including sultanas and popcorn. Special hot cross buns made with chickpea flour, grated vegies and a dollop of cream cheese were on the menu for the vervet monkeys along with one of their favourite treats – boiled eggs. The meerkats enjoyed foraging for hand-dyed eggs in a nest of wood wool, while later in the day the zoo’s lions and servals also enjoyed some their own Easter pinatas. The special Easter activities also put the spotlight on the eastern barred bandicoot – a critically endangered Australian marsupial. Instead of a traditional Easter bunny, images of an eastern barred bandicoot featured in many of the Easter enrichment activities, providing keepers with an opportunity to chat to visitors about conservation efforts to save this very special Australian native.

WYNDHAM’S human residents were not the only ones to receive a gift this Easter. On Easter Sunday animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo enjoyed their ow... Read More »

BAKERS DELIGHT stores across the Western Suburbs are turning pink in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
From now until 14 May, the bakers will be busy baking up the pink finger bun for this year’s Pink Bun Campaign.
The annual fund-raising campaign will see around 600 Bakers Delight bakeries donate 100 per cent of the sale of pink finger buns to BCNA.
“It is a really important campaign that everyone gets behind,” said Sunshine Bakers Delight Franchisee Colene Bonello.
“So many people are affected by or touched by breast cancer, and it doesn’t matter your age,” she said.
“I know personally my mother had breast cancer and it’s very important to me,” she said.
“She was diagnosed when she was 80,” she said.
Ms Bonello, and her husband George Bonello, looked forward to the next few weeks and applauded the community’s generosity.
The money raised by Bakers Delight customers will support BCNA’s information resources provided to Australians affected by breast cancer such as the My Journey Kit, a free resource for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Bakers Delight customers are also encouraged to leave a personal message for women in the community on a ‘Pink Lady’ paper silhouette purchased for a gold coin donation.
Messages of support or in memory of a loved one with breast cancer will be displayed in each local bakery during the campaign.

BAKERS DELIGHT stores across the Western Suburbs are turning pink in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. From now until 14 May, the bakers will be busy baking up the pink finger bun for this year’s Pink Bun Campaign. The annual fund-raising campaign will see around 600 Bakers Delight bakeries donate 100 per cent of the sale of pink finger buns to BCNA. “It is a really important campaign that everyone gets behind,” said Sunshine Bakers Delight Franchisee Colene Bonello. “So many people are affected by or touched by breast cancer, and it doesn’t matter your age,” she said. “I know personally my mother had breast cancer and it’s very important to me,” she said. “She was diagnosed when she was 80,” she said. Ms Bonello, and her husband George Bonello, looked forward to the next few weeks and applauded the community’s generosity. The money raised by Bakers Delight customers will support BCNA’s information resources provided to Australians affected by breast cancer such as the My Journey Kit, a free resource for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Bakers Delight customers are also encouraged to leave a personal message for women in the community on a ‘Pink Lady’ paper silhouette purchased for a gold coin donation. Messages of support or in memory of a loved one with breast cancer will be displayed in each local bakery during the campaign.

BAKERS DELIGHT stores across the Western Suburbs are turning pink in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. From now until 14 May, the bakers... Read More »

THOUSANDS of people across Melbourne’s West paid tribute to our fallen service men and women last week as Dawn Services were held across the country.
As the sun seeped through the morning sky, crowds descended upon memorial sites to remember those who have given their lives in service of the nation.
They also remembered those who continue to be deployed in different parts of the globe.
It was a time for all – young and old – to remember the Anzac spirit. The Dawn Services were followed by gunshot breakfasts where mates and their families gathered to enjoy a meal and drink together.
Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

THOUSANDS of people across Melbourne’s West paid tribute to our fallen service men and women last week as Dawn Services were held across the country. As the sun seeped through the morning sky, crowds descended upon memorial sites to remember those who have given their lives in service of the nation. They also remembered those who continue to be deployed in different parts of the globe. It was a time for all – young and old – to remember the Anzac spirit. The Dawn Services were followed by gunshot breakfasts where mates and their families gathered to enjoy a meal and drink together. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

THOUSANDS of people across Melbourne’s West paid tribute to our fallen service men and women last week as Dawn Services were held across the country... Read More »

WITH the local Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen in full swing, local retailer The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing is calling on local students to get involved.
Jamie’s Food Revolution Day will be held on 16 May and students have the chance to win an appliance refresh pack for their school canteen.
With the focus of this year’s Food Revolution Day being to ‘get kids excited about food’, the local retailer believes that the logical step is to help provide schools with the additional opportunity to have new, workable, kid-friendly appliances available in their school canteen that encourage the preparation of common lunches from scratch.
“The pack contains everything a student needs to make a delicious, healthy and nutritious lunch using commonly available ingredients,” said Proprietor of The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing, Fab DeCesaris.
“We have put together three items that will help students create fun and colourful fruit and vegetable drinks, nutrition-packed, Jamie Oliver-inspired smoothies and the old favourite sanga press because let’s face it, everything tastes better toasted.”
The pack, which contains a brand new blender, juicer and sandwich press from The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing, will be awarded to one school in the local area on Food Revolution Day, following entries in store demonstrating how their school is celebrating Jamie’s global initiative.
“In the lead-up to this terrific event, we are calling on parents, students, teachers and friends to tell us how their school is getting behind Jamie’s Food Revolution Day,” Fab said.
“Whether that be a good food fund-raising lunch, a junk food-free day or a healthy student breakfast, we hope that this will encourage lasting change for the better in our local community.”
To enter, visit The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing at 161 Old Geelong Road and fill out the entry form in store. The winner will be announced in store on Food Revolution Day, 16 May.

WITH the local Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen in full swing, local retailer The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing is calling on local students to get involved. Jamie’s Food Revolution Day will be held on 16 May and students have the chance to win an appliance refresh pack for their school canteen. With the focus of this year’s Food Revolution Day being to ‘get kids excited about food’, the local retailer believes that the logical step is to help provide schools with the additional opportunity to have new, workable, kid-friendly appliances available in their school canteen that encourage the preparation of common lunches from scratch. “The pack contains everything a student needs to make a delicious, healthy and nutritious lunch using commonly available ingredients,” said Proprietor of The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing, Fab DeCesaris. “We have put together three items that will help students create fun and colourful fruit and vegetable drinks, nutrition-packed, Jamie Oliver-inspired smoothies and the old favourite sanga press because let’s face it, everything tastes better toasted.” The pack, which contains a brand new blender, juicer and sandwich press from The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing, will be awarded to one school in the local area on Food Revolution Day, following entries in store demonstrating how their school is celebrating Jamie’s global initiative. “In the lead-up to this terrific event, we are calling on parents, students, teachers and friends to tell us how their school is getting behind Jamie’s Food Revolution Day,” Fab said. “Whether that be a good food fund-raising lunch, a junk food-free day or a healthy student breakfast, we hope that this will encourage lasting change for the better in our local community.” To enter, visit The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing at 161 Old Geelong Road and fill out the entry form in store. The winner will be announced in store on Food Revolution Day, 16 May.

WITH the local Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen in full swing, local retailer The Good Guys Hoppers Crossing is calling on local students to ... Read More »

WYNDHAM Council has launched a new campaign to encourage parents to walk their children to school, with a little help from one student in particular.
Lachlan, from Iramoo Primary School, won a recent competition to design a poster to promote the Make Every Day Walk to School Day campaign as part of the VicHealth’s 2013 ‘Walk to School’ initiative. His winning image features a drawing of his daily journey to school.
The campaign encourages parents to walk their children to school, when possible, to get some exercise and relieve congestion on the roads surrounding our schools.
Wyndham Mayor Bob Fairclough said the campaign had many benefits.
“Not only will our schoolchildren gain an advantage from walking to school rather than sitting in the car, but their parents and the wider community will also benefit,” Cr Fairclough said.
“In addition to improving their physical health by getting some exercise, it also gives parents more time to talk to their children and strengthen their relationship.
“Walking to school will also decrease the amount of congestion on our roads at school times, which is one of the objectives of our Get Wyndham Moving congestion campaign.
“Lachlan’s winning design is a great illustration of all the things children experience on their way to school – walking with other friends, talking to school crossing supervisors, being able to ride their bike or scooter and seeing cars, planes and helicopters go by. Lachlan should be extremely proud of his winning image.”
“His design will be placed on posters and distributed to schools throughout Wyndham, which will promote the Make Every Day Walk to School Day campaign.”

WYNDHAM Council has launched a new campaign to encourage parents to walk their children to school, with a little help from one student in particular. Lachlan, from Iramoo Primary School, won a recent competition to design a poster to promote the Make Every Day Walk to School Day campaign as part of the VicHealth’s 2013 ‘Walk to School’ initiative. His winning image features a drawing of his daily journey to school. The campaign encourages parents to walk their children to school, when possible, to get some exercise and relieve congestion on the roads surrounding our schools. Wyndham Mayor Bob Fairclough said the campaign had many benefits. “Not only will our schoolchildren gain an advantage from walking to school rather than sitting in the car, but their parents and the wider community will also benefit,” Cr Fairclough said. “In addition to improving their physical health by getting some exercise, it also gives parents more time to talk to their children and strengthen their relationship. “Walking to school will also decrease the amount of congestion on our roads at school times, which is one of the objectives of our Get Wyndham Moving congestion campaign. “Lachlan’s winning design is a great illustration of all the things children experience on their way to school – walking with other friends, talking to school crossing supervisors, being able to ride their bike or scooter and seeing cars, planes and helicopters go by. Lachlan should be extremely proud of his winning image.” “His design will be placed on posters and distributed to schools throughout Wyndham, which will promote the Make Every Day Walk to School Day campaign.”

WYNDHAM Council has launched a new campaign to encourage parents to walk their children to school, with a little help from one student in particular. ... Read More »

THIS Queen’s Birthday weekend, the Melbourne International Horse Trials (MIHT) will welcome thousands of spectators to the stunning surrounds of the Werribee Park precinct to showcase the very best in Australian horsemanship.
Horses and riders will compete for national and international representation, providing a true spectacle for all ages.
Outdoor enthusiasts can bring the family and join friends as part of a long weekend of equestrian excellence in what is best described as an “equine triathlon”.
Dressage takes place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June, cross-country on Sunday 8 June and the final, deciding phase, show jumping will be held on Monday 9 June.
A spokesperson for the event said there would be something for everyone in the Werribee Park precinct from fine food to great competition and beautiful scenery.
Held in the grounds of historic Werribee Mansion, the event takes in the Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Werribee Park Polo Fields.
More information on the MIHT can be found by visiting www.miht.com.au

THIS Queen’s Birthday weekend, the Melbourne International Horse Trials (MIHT) will welcome thousands of spectators to the stunning surrounds of the Werribee Park precinct to showcase the very best in Australian horsemanship. Horses and riders will compete for national and international representation, providing a true spectacle for all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can bring the family and join friends as part of a long weekend of equestrian excellence in what is best described as an “equine triathlon”. Dressage takes place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June, cross-country on Sunday 8 June and the final, deciding phase, show jumping will be held on Monday 9 June. A spokesperson for the event said there would be something for everyone in the Werribee Park precinct from fine food to great competition and beautiful scenery. Held in the grounds of historic Werribee Mansion, the event takes in the Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Werribee Park Polo Fields. More information on the MIHT can be found by visiting www.miht.com.au

THIS Queen’s Birthday weekend, the Melbourne International Horse Trials (MIHT) will welcome thousands of spectators to the stunning surrounds of the... Read More »

FOLLOWING two successful Once Upon a Time in Sunshine promotions within the past year, Taylors Hill promoter and undefeated professional fighter Jake Ellis is at it again.
Ellis has gathered some of the best fighters from across Melbourne’s West for the 30 May show at Sunshine’s Italia Club, where three titles will be put on the line.
The main events will include Altona’s Anthony Buttigieg’s battle with Franco Valenzuela for the light middleweight Victorian belt.
Footscray’s Sylvia Scharper will also be in action against Queenslander Kori Farr for the Australian bantamweight title, while Werribee’s Marc Pante will vie for the light heavyweight Victorian title against Joe D’Angelo.
“The card speaks for itself,” Ellis said.
“I went from basically not having any titles on any of my shows to having three on the same show and an Australian title being one of them.
“With my main events both boys are undefeated and the vibe in the crowd is going to be electric.
“Pante versus D’Angelo is a fight I’ve been trying to get for about two years now. I just could never seem to get it together.”
Pante, 33, is undefeated with three knockouts since going professional and is feeling good a month out from his upcoming bout with D’Angelo.
“I’m pretty happy with the way I’m going at the moment,” Pante said.
“Training’s going well, so hopefully I can get another victory under my belt and stay undefeated.
“I’m confident going into every fight. I do all the hard yards and it’s the one per cent things I do in the gym that I think will get me over the line against anyone, really.”
Ellis talked up the bout as Pante’s toughest yet.
“I think undeniably it will be Marc’s hardest fight,” Ellis said.
“On paper and in reality it is his hardest fight. It’s a fight for the championship of the state so it goes without saying.
“Size-wise and even overall frame-wise (D’Angelo’s) very similar to Marc, short and broad and he has a very extensive kickboxing career and Marc’s also got a kickboxing background as well.
“It’s the longest fight he’s ever had. He’s in for an eight-rounder.”
Many of the fighters that will take the ring at the Italia Club train under Dave Hegarty out of the Tarneit Boxing Gym, including Dwight ‘The Cowboy’ Ritchie.

FOLLOWING two successful Once Upon a Time in Sunshine promotions within the past year, Taylors Hill promoter and undefeated professional fighter Jake Ellis is at it again. Ellis has gathered some of the best fighters from across Melbourne’s West for the 30 May show at Sunshine’s Italia Club, where three titles will be put on the line. The main events will include Altona’s Anthony Buttigieg’s battle with Franco Valenzuela for the light middleweight Victorian belt. Footscray’s Sylvia Scharper will also be in action against Queenslander Kori Farr for the Australian bantamweight title, while Werribee’s Marc Pante will vie for the light heavyweight Victorian title against Joe D’Angelo. “The card speaks for itself,” Ellis said. “I went from basically not having any titles on any of my shows to having three on the same show and an Australian title being one of them. “With my main events both boys are undefeated and the vibe in the crowd is going to be electric. “Pante versus D’Angelo is a fight I’ve been trying to get for about two years now. I just could never seem to get it together.” Pante, 33, is undefeated with three knockouts since going professional and is feeling good a month out from his upcoming bout with D’Angelo. “I’m pretty happy with the way I’m going at the moment,” Pante said. “Training’s going well, so hopefully I can get another victory under my belt and stay undefeated. “I’m confident going into every fight. I do all the hard yards and it’s the one per cent things I do in the gym that I think will get me over the line against anyone, really.” Ellis talked up the bout as Pante’s toughest yet. “I think undeniably it will be Marc’s hardest fight,” Ellis said. “On paper and in reality it is his hardest fight. It’s a fight for the championship of the state so it goes without saying. “Size-wise and even overall frame-wise (D’Angelo’s) very similar to Marc, short and broad and he has a very extensive kickboxing career and Marc’s also got a kickboxing background as well. “It’s the longest fight he’s ever had. He’s in for an eight-rounder.” Many of the fighters that will take the ring at the Italia Club train under Dave Hegarty out of the Tarneit Boxing Gym, including Dwight ‘The Cowboy’ Ritchie.

FOLLOWING two successful Once Upon a Time in Sunshine promotions within the past year, Taylors Hill promoter and undefeated professional fighter Jake ... Read More »